EU Diplomat on EU's Innovation Policies at IES

On May 29, 2012, Philippe Vialatte, Head of Science, Technology and Environment Section from the EU Delegation to Beijing visited the Institute of European Studies (IES), CASS, and presented a lecture to its researchers on EU’s innovation policies.

Vialatte said that innovation is a cornerstone of Europe’s 2020 strategy.In order to implement the strategy, the EU is determined to develop world-class excellence, attract investment through better support and framework conditions, and establish strategic cooperation with world partners, including China.

The EU hopes to achieve the target of 3% of GDP for R&D in 2020. If this target can be met, 3.7 million jobs will be created and close to €800 billion annual GDP will be generated by 2025, ”says the EU diplomat.

According to Vialatte, the EU will take key measures to build an Innovation Union. To fulfil this objective, the EU will push forward the development of education and skills. He noted that it is estimated that the EU will need at least one million more researchers, and the European universities will strengthen closer links with business to train top talents for innovation jobs.

Vialatte also mentioned that the current debt crisis has cost the EU six million jobs and €1000 billion of GDP annually.

In reply to a question about the possibility of exporting more technology to China so as to reduce the bilateral trade deficit, Vialatte said that the two sides can discuss the matter in a friendly way. “Between good friends,anything can be talked about,” the EU diplomat says with a smile.